Back in 2001, when Neighbours, Friends and Families was still just an idea, Alfredo Marroquin, was involved in the effort to bring the campaign to life. When an Expert Panel came together in 2004 to make decisions about what information was most important to include in the campaign messages, Alfredo was involved. When it came time to take the campaign on the road in 2006, Alfredo was there.

Along with the Tim Kelly, the Chair of the Expert Panel, he criss-crossed the province, visiting urban centres and tiny towns in the farthest reaches of Ontario to introduce Neighbours, Friends and Families to local communities. When the Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Immigrants organized orientation sessions in 2009 to begin planning the Immigrant and Refugee Communities NFF, Alfredo was there.

Alfredo, the long time Neighbours, Friends and Families Community Coordinator became the face of the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign. For years Alfredo answered telephone calls and e-mails, mailed out brochures and personally visited communities to help them start up and sustain their own NFF campaigns.

Many organizations have learned a great deal about the steps and strategies to take to reach out to neighbours, friends and families in order to break the isolation facing women who experience abuse.

He is committed to ending violence against women and has worked collaboratively to address this problem. He has reached out into communities across the province, sharing his humour, his wisdom and his enthusiasm. Alfredo has a lifelong commitment to social justice and community development.

His determination to challenge inequities and create inclusive spaces has earned him respect from those who have had the opportunity to work with him. NFF has been fortunate to benefit from his passion and his expertise.

Susan Seaby, the Executive Director of the OWD speaks for all us when she says, "What a tremendous contribution Alfredo has made to this campaign, since its very beginning. I've always been struck by his warmth and enthusiasm, and his driving commitment to ending violence against women, that made him an ideal champion. I'd like to wish him my best, and to thank him on behalf of the Ontario Women's Directorate, for personally bringing NFF's message to thousands of people across Ontario."

Alfredo, we wish you all the best in your new career as a Faculty member at Fanshawe College.

Download the PDF of the NFF Winter 2012 Newsletter, featuring A Tribute to Alfredo Marroquin